Due to a lapse in federal funding, this USDA website will not be actively updated. Once funding has been reestablished, online operations will continue. On-going operational updates will be posted here (https://www.fs.fed.us/shutdown) as we are able to provide them.

Wilderness areas

The 1964 Wilderness act defines Wilderness as "an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain ... an area protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions."

Wilderness helps protect critical habitats for a variety of species, as well as important natural resources, such as clean water. Wilderness also provides unique opportunities for recreation, challenge and solitude.

Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest includes ten Wilderness areas that encompass many of Colorado's peaks and forested terrain which are popular with hikers, backpackers, and mountain climbers.

Please view the special regulations associated with Wilderness and always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep these areas wild, clean, and pristine.